COLOMBIA - EL LIBANO, NATURAL

located in Piendamó, Cauca, Esneider Rivera Muelas is a dedicated coffee grower and esteemed member of Asociacion de Caficultores del Centro del Cauca por la Paz (ACC). At the age of 31, Muelas oversees his expansive farm, "El Líbano," located 14 km away from Piendamó in the Vereda of El Carmen.

The farm, notable for its "Practices" certification, spans a generous 18 hectares. Of this, 10 hectares are dedicated to coffee cultivation, 2 hectares are preserved forest area, and the remaining 6 hectares are used for livestock. Situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters, El Líbano grows a variety of coffee species, including Castillo, Pink Bourbon, Colombia, and Cenicafé 1.

Muelas employs both natural and fully washed processes in his coffee production. In 2022, the farm yielded 3,700 kg of naturally processed coffee for microlots, and an impressive 7,300 kg of fully washed coffee used for practices or regional coffee, measured in dry parchment.

The natural process begins with the selection of very ripe coffee beans, which are sorted according to density using the floating method. The beans are then left damp to undergo an oxidation period, followed by dehydration in a mechanical drying system. Lastly, a parabolic system is used to achieve the target humidity.

Rivera uses a meticulous 48-hour fermentation process in a tank at 28° C. After the beans reach a dehydration point, they rest for 16 hours before the drying restarts at 37° C until 20% humidity is reached. Then, the beans undergo a secondary fermentation in sealed plastic cans for 24 hours. Finally, a parabolic drying system is utilized to achieve 10% humidity.

Having dedicated the last 5 years to the ACC, Muelas represents the passion and commitment embodied by the association's members in their pursuit of high-quality coffee production and positive regional change.